Vive Le France! 2011: Melting Vinyl Highlights

With February now upon us, we at Melting Vinyl have had the opportunity to reflect on Vive La France! 2011 and think about what we particularly enjoyed. With so many fantastic continental artists to choose from, how could anyone choose one highlight? From the Launch Party at Komedia through to the finale at The Duke Of York’s Picturehouse, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

“Thursday night was a total buzz,” reflects Anna Moulson, owner of Melting Vinyl. “La Boetie where quirky and eccentric and Les Zuts introduced the night well. It looked, felt and smelled like a festival!”

Production Manager Diana Holford agrees: “Melanie Pain’s enchanting stage presence captivated everyone in the room.” she comments. “And Fredy Massamba was a true artist. Seeing the way he warmed the crowd up and sang his heart out was a real treat.”
For many, Vive La France! was as much about enjoying artists that would not usually be seen in Brighton. “Kim was a one man revelation at the Hope on Friday night,” enthuses Booking Agent Paul McGivern. “He’s a true entertainer combining anti-folk and electro beats, who got the whole venue involved in his performance!” “I fell in love with Anoraak” adds Diana. “I wasn’t familiar with them before and now I’m obsessed!”

With wine flowing at Plateau’s after-parties each night, there were more treats on offer for those who didn’t head home to bed. “Melanie Pain’s infectious french pop DJ set was another highlight” remembers Paul.

As Vive La France! entered its final day on January 29th, the finale was set to wow the audience. At The Duke Of York’s Picturehouse, one man’s breathtaking performance left us awestruck. “Chapelier Fou’s staggeringly beautiful performance at the Duke of Yorks was amazing.” Paul comments.

So with Vive La France! 2011 at an end, what kind of impact did it make on those who experienced it? Diana sums it up perfectly: “Already I can’t wait for next year!”